Don’t turn fruits into a luxury: Excessive import duties raise fruit prices

By the Editorial Team · Saturday, October 31, 2026

Fruit prices in Bangladesh have risen sharply due to increased import taxes and rising costs in domestic production, making fresh fruit less affordable for many households. The Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission urges the government to reduce import duties and address supply chain inefficiencies to improve access to essential fruits and support public nutrition.

Fruit prices in Bangladesh have surged sharply in recent years, placing fresh produce increasingly out of reach for many families, particularly those with lower incomes. According to a recent analysis citing data from the Bangladesh Trade and Tariff Commission (BTTC), escalating import duties and taxes have significantly contributed to this upward trend, raising concerns over the affordability of essential nutritional items.

The combined tax burden on imported fruits such as apples, oranges, grapes, pears, and pomegranates rose markedly from 89 percent in the fiscal year 2020-21 to 122 percent in fiscal year 2026-27. Prices in Dhaka illustrate this increase: “malta” oranges, which sold for Tk 120-150 per kilogram in July 2020, reached Tk 420-450 by September 2026. Other imported fruits experienced similar price hikes over the period.

Domestic fruit prices have not provided significant relief. For example, the price of locally grown Sagor bananas doubled from Tk 20-25 for four bananas in 2020 to Tk 40-50 in 2026. Guavas and papayas, common fruits for many households, now cost approximately Tk 120 per kilogram. Market analysts attribute rising domestic prices partly to declining foreign fruit imports, which have reduced competitive pressure on local sellers. However, increased costs related to production, transportation, and marketing are also cited as contributing factors.

Government revenue from fruit imports rose substantially in recent years, climbing from Tk 2,570 crore in fiscal 2020-21 to Tk 5,938 crore in fiscal 2025-26, despite import volumes decreasing from 800,000 tonnes to 571,000 tonnes during the same period. Currency depreciation has also influenced prices, but the BTTC report emphasizes that high taxes remain central to the cost increases.

Bangladesh’s fruit consumption remains well below recommended levels. The World Health Organization advises a minimum daily intake of 400 grams of fruits and vegetables combined. In 2022, the country’s average per capita fruit consumption was 95.4 grams. No official update has been issued since then due to the absence of a recent Household Income and Expenditure Survey, but experts warn consumption is likely declining.

The BTTC has called on the government to promptly lower import duties on fruits to address affordability issues. Meanwhile, authorities are urged to investigate domestic price drivers, enhance supply chain efficiency, reduce unnecessary intermediary costs, and strengthen market oversight. Ensuring affordable access to fruits, whether imported or locally cultivated, is viewed as critical for public health and nutrition.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.